Rep. Scholten Calls On Trump Administration To Provide Icebreaker Ship to Coast Guard Mission In The Great Lakes
Failure To Keep Great Lakes Clear Of Ice Could Lead To Major Economic Loss And Threaten Thousands Of Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) is joining up with fellow Michigander and Transportation and Infrastructure member Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) to call on the Trump Administration to provide the Coast Guard with an icebreaker ship for use in the Great Lakes. The Trump Administration recently reached an agreement with Finland to acquire up to 11 new icebreaker ships for use in the United States. Rep. Scholten is requesting that at least one of these newly procured icebreaker ships be allocated for the Great Lakes in an effort to support the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission; facilitate winter navigation on the Great Lakes; and secure the northern border. Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) co-led the letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russel Vought.
“In the Great Lakes, frozen waterways don’t just stop ships - they freeze commerce, livelihoods, and economic growth,” said Rep. Scholten. “Procuring a much-needed icebreaking ship for the Coast Guard will help ensure that our economy continues to thrive throughout the winter months. I am grateful to the President for his work in getting these ice breakers for the United States, and proud to be working across the aisle with Congressman Barrett to make sure the Great Lakes are cut in on the deal.”
On October 10, 2025, President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the United States had reached an agreement with Finland for the U.S. to purchase 11 Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Rep. Scholten and Rep. Barrett are both members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard. The committee is responsible for ensuring that the service has the assets they need to protect our maritime borders.
Rep. Scholten has led the charge on consistently advocating for the acquisition of a Great Lakes icebreaker, pressing Coast Guard leadership to prioritize acquisition with current funding and advocating for appropriate funding levels through appropriations process.
A full copy of the letter can be found here.
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